Most people doing great job recycling

From City Scene, published on 23 November, 2008

The council's "bin detectives" say that Auckland city residents are doing a great job of using the new kerbside recycling service.

They report that most residents have been following the new recycling guidelines - putting plastic containers numbered 1-7; aluminium, tin and steel cans; glass bottles and jars; Tetra Pak cartons; and paper and cardboard in the bins.

However, recyclables in some bins have been contaminated with non-recyclable items such as green waste (lawn clippings, hedge trimmings, etc) and plastic bags.

These cannot be recycled through the kerbside recycling collection.

Green waste can be composted, taken to a transfer station or collected through a private green waste collection service. Plastic bags can be taken to supermarkets that have plastic bag recycling drop-off boxes. Carpet and clothing can be donated to charities, second-hand shops or taken to transfer stations. Check your fridge magnet calendar or recycling brochure to see what can and cannot be recycled and for your collection week. Download the brochure or calendar.